Boasting a bird’s-eye view of the Toronto skyline, Louix Louis elevates the classic European dining experience in nearly every way. Thanks to its 31st-floor address atop The St. Regis Toronto, the venue affords its diners stunning sunsets and shimmering nighttime views all accompanied by extravagant interiors that would feel right at home within a 21st-century rendition of Versailles.
A gilded dining room outfitted with plush leather chairs and an array of modern artwork sets the scene for indulgent courses of continental cuisine. Opulent isn’t an overstatement here — lobster, caviar and truffle are all staple ingredients on the classically inspired menu, and one of North America’s largest collections of brown spirits can be found behind the double-height bar.
Twinkling lights from contemporary floral-shaped chandeliers tie together a space that is at once vintage and modern, striking a perfectly Instagrammable balance of Old World opulence and modern-day chic with mouthwatering offerings to match.
- The menu at Louix Louis manages to reach indulgent status. Approachable dishes like roasted chicken are elevated with a truffle jus, and hearty clam chowder enjoys a lavish dollop of caviar.
- While lounging at the bar, don’t forget to look up. An ethereal 60-foot ceiling mural from local artist Madison van Rijn (appropriately dubbed “Bouquet of Whisky”) depicts a blend of brown- and cream-hued swirls that represent a swirled glass of Canadian whiskey.
- While generally French or Mediterranean in nature, dinner offerings do include nods to the Toronto restaurant’s address. Bits of maple bacon add a local bite to a classic Caesar salad and Canadian lobster plays a starring role in a rich risotto.
- With such swanky surroundings, of course dessert is no afterthought at Louix Louis. The main sweet attraction is the venue’s 13-layer chocolate cake stacked with 64% Guayaquil ganache and hazelnut-chocolate buttercream, all topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for good measure.
- While you may be focused on the food, be sure to ask your server for wine and whiskey pairings to enjoy with your meal.
- The stunning two-story Grand Bar blends the beauty of past and present into one luxurious lounge. The look is a modern rendition of classic art deco cocktail parlors in New York and Paris with gilded accents, leather barstools and plenty of high-end spirits.
- The Toronto bar is home to one of the largest collections of dark spirits in North America — more than 500 bottles, to be precise.
- Grand Bar updates classic and nearly forgotten tipples. Enjoy a taste of history with a revived 19th-century libation, the whiskey-based New York Sour, or savor a fragrant low-ABV cocktail like the In Cadenza.
- Inspired by Toronto’s history as a renowned distillery district, the bar menu specializes in sips featuring top-shelf whiskies and brown spirits. A cocktail like the Bay Street Manhattan might be made with Michter’s US*1 small-batch bourbon or the Spiced Old Fashioned with Appleton Estate 8-year-old reserve rum.
- Teetotalers aren’t forgotten at the Grand Bar. A small collection of complex mocktails like the Headly Grange (cucumber, rose, pink peppercorn, coriander and tonic water) satisfies without encroaching on overly sweet territory.
